Last we checked in with U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis, she didn’t seem pleased with U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Bovino heads the Trump administration’s military presence in Chicago, Operation Midway Blitz, and there were some pretty serious allegations (and video!) that federal agents — and Bovino specifically — violated a temporary restraining order issued by Ellis.
A group of journalists, protesters, and clergy sued the Trump administration over the military occupation of Chicago, and Ellis issued a TRO limiting the tactics federal agents can use. Amongst the banned methods of riot control include the use of tear gas and other kinds of noxious gas unless there is an immediate safety threat. But over the weekend, Bovino was caught on camera throwing canisters of tear gas into a crowd without any warnings or verbal orders to disperse. It sure isn’t a good look.
So the judge hauled Bovino into court today to impress upon him the seriousness of the TRO and what sorts of actions are off limits. Specifically, Judge Ellis is deeply concerned that Border Patrol’s actions in using tear gas without appropriate warnings actually impacted innocents, specifically kids dressed in Halloween costumes, headed to a parade.
Chicago Sun-Times reporter John Seidel details the lengths Judge Ellis went to in order to impress upon Bovino just how big of a deal it is to not adhere to the terms of the TRO. And hammered home what it means for citizens in the community quite literally caught in the crossfire.
Screenshot
